Acts 18:3

KJV

And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} because {G1223} he was {G1511} of the same craft {G3673}, he abode {G3306} with {G3844} them {G846}, and {G2532} wrought {G2038}: for {G1063} by their occupation {G5078} they were {G2258} tentmakers {G4635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and because he had the same trade as they, making tents, he stayed on with them; and they worked together.

Berean Standard Bible

and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was.

American Standard Version

and because he was of the same trade, he abode with them, and they wrought; for by their trade they were tentmakers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 18:3 provides a concise yet profound insight into the Apostle Paul's practical approach to ministry in Corinth, revealing that he resided and collaborated with Aquila and Priscilla, a Jewish couple, because they shared the common trade of tentmaking. This verse highlights Paul's commitment to self-sufficiency, enabling him to preach the Gospel without financial burden, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for a significant partnership in early Christian mission and community building.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 18 opens with Paul's arrival in Corinth after his challenging ministry in Athens, as detailed in [Acts 17](/acts/17 "Acts 17 - Paul in Athens"). Having reasoned with philosophers on Mars Hill and seen limited conversions, Paul enters Corinth, a bustling and morally complex Roman provincial capital, likely seeking a new strategy or a more receptive audience. The immediate verses, [Acts 18:1-2](/acts/18-1-2 "Acts 18:1-2 - Paul Meets Aquila and Priscilla"), establish that he found Aquila and Priscilla, recently expelled from Rome by Emperor Claudius's decree, providing the backdrop for their meeting and shared circumstances before this verse details their vocational connection. This meeting is pivotal, as Aquila and Priscilla become invaluable ministry partners throughout Paul's subsequent journeys, demonstrating the organic way God often brings people together for His purposes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a major port city, a strategic center for trade and communication in the Roman Empire, known for its wealth, diverse population, and notorious immorality. Such a city would have a high demand for various crafts, including tentmaking, which involved working with leather or heavy canvas for tents, awnings, or even sails. Emperor Claudius's edict (c. AD 49) expelling Jews from Rome, mentioned in [Acts 18:2](/acts/18-2 "Acts 18:2 - Claudius's Edict"), forced many Jewish Christians, like Aquila and Priscilla, to relocate, inadvertently facilitating their encounter with Paul. In the Greco-Roman world, manual labor was often looked down upon by the elite, but Jewish tradition, including rabbinic teaching, often encouraged learning a trade, ensuring self-sufficiency and preventing dependency, a principle Paul clearly embraced.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in Acts and Paul's ministry. It underscores the theme of **Divine Providence**, showing how God orchestrated the meeting of Paul with Aquila and Priscilla through a shared trade and historical circumstances (the Roman edict), leading to a powerful ministry partnership. It also exemplifies the theme of **Dignity of Labor**, as Paul, a highly educated Pharisee and apostle, willingly engaged in manual labor to support himself, challenging societal norms and demonstrating the value of honest work, a principle he would later teach in his epistles (e.g., [1 Thessalonians 4:11-12](/1_thessalonians/4-11-12 "1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 - Live Quietly and Work with Your Hands") and [2 Thessalonians 3:7-9](/2_thessalonians/3-7-9 "2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 - Paul's Example of Hard Work")). Furthermore, it highlights **Partnership in Ministry**, as this initial vocational connection blossomed into a deep spiritual collaboration that profoundly impacted the early church, as seen in their later roles in Ephesus and Rome, and their instruction of Apollos in [Acts 18:24-26](/acts/18-24-26 "Acts 18:24-26 - Aquila and Priscilla Instruct Apollos").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **because (Greek, _diá'_):** This primary preposition denotes the "channel of an act" or the "reason" for something. In Acts 18:3, it explicitly states the causal link between Paul's shared craft and his decision to live and work with Aquila and Priscilla. It emphasizes that their common occupation was the direct reason for their cohabitation and collaboration, serving as a practical foundation for their relationship.
* **wrought (Greek, _ergázomai'_):** This verb, in the middle voice, signifies "to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.)," or "to be engaged in or with." It highlights Paul's active participation in the work of tentmaking, indicating not merely a passive association but a diligent, hands-on engagement in the trade. This word underscores the physical effort and commitment Paul put into supporting himself.
* **tentmakers (Greek, _skēnopoiós'_):** Derived from "skēnē" (tent) and "poiéō" (to make), this noun specifically identifies the occupation. It refers to a manufacturer of tents, but could also encompass work with leather or heavy cloth for various purposes like awnings or sails, a common and respectable trade in a port city like Corinth. This precise term clarifies the shared "craft" that brought Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla together.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And because he was of the same craft":** This clause establishes the immediate reason for Paul's close association with Aquila and Priscilla. It reveals that Paul, despite his apostolic calling, possessed a practical skill that aligned with theirs, providing a natural basis for connection and mutual support. This shared profession was not incidental but foundational to their living and working arrangement.
* **"he abode with them, and wrought":** This phrase describes the immediate consequence of their shared craft. "Abode" (G3306 _ménō_) signifies that Paul stayed or dwelt with them, indicating a period of residence and close proximity. "Wrought" (G2038 _ergázomai_) emphasizes that he actively engaged in the work alongside them, not merely as a guest but as a contributing member of their household and business. This highlights Paul's commitment to self-sufficiency and diligence.
* **"for by their occupation they were tentmakers":** This final clause provides the explicit explanation and confirmation of the shared craft. The conjunction "for" (G1063 _gár_) introduces the reason, clarifying that their common "occupation" (G5078 _téchnē_, referring to their trade or skill) was indeed that of "tentmakers" (G4635 _skēnopoiós_). This reinforces the practical and vocational bond that united Paul with Aquila and Priscilla, setting the stage for their future ministry partnership.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Conciseness** to convey significant information efficiently, immediately establishing the practical foundation of Paul's relationship with Aquila and Priscilla. There is an element of **Irony** in that a highly educated apostle, called to preach the Gospel, would find his primary connection and means of support through a common trade, rather than immediate ecclesiastical patronage. This highlights Paul's **Humility** and **Practicality**, demonstrating his willingness to integrate his spiritual calling with the realities of daily life and labor. The shared "craft" serves as a form of **Metonymy**, where the occupation stands in for the shared values of diligence, self-sufficiency, and perhaps even a common social standing that allowed for a natural bond to form.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 18:3 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle of the dignity of labor and the integration of faith with daily work. Paul's example demonstrates that even those called to full-time ministry are not exempt from honest toil, and indeed, such work can provide a platform for integrity, independence, and authentic witness. His choice to support himself through tentmaking prevented accusations of greed or exploitation, allowing the Gospel to be preached freely and without hindrance. This practical approach to ministry also highlights God's sovereignty in bringing together individuals through seemingly mundane circumstances, transforming a shared trade into the foundation for a profound and enduring partnership in the advancement of His kingdom.

* [2 Thessalonians 3:7-9](/2_thessalonians/3-7-9 "2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 - Paul's Example of Diligent Work")
* [1 Corinthians 9:18](/1_corinthians/9-18 "1 Corinthians 9:18 - Paul's Refusal of Financial Support")
* [Ephesians 4:28](/ephesians/4-28 "Ephesians 4:28 - Work with Your Hands")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 18:3 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us that our vocations are not merely secular pursuits but integral parts of our spiritual journey and opportunities for God's glory. Paul's example challenges the notion that spiritual service is separate from or superior to manual labor; instead, it dignifies all honest work as a means of providing for oneself, maintaining integrity, and building relationships that can lead to spiritual fellowship and ministry. We are called to be diligent in our work, whatever it may be, using our skills not only for personal sustenance but also as a platform for witness and community. This verse encourages us to seek out common ground with others, recognizing that shared interests or professions can be divinely appointed avenues for connection, partnership, and the organic expansion of God's kingdom. It invites us to consider how our own "craft" or occupation can be leveraged for Kingdom purposes, fostering relationships and demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel through our daily lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's example of working as a tentmaker challenge modern perceptions of ministry and vocational calling?**
* **In what ways can your current occupation or skills be used to build relationships and advance the Gospel, similar to Paul's experience with Aquila and Priscilla?**
* **What does Paul's commitment to self-sufficiency teach us about integrity and avoiding potential stumbling blocks in our witness?**

### FAQ

**Why was Paul, an apostle, working a manual labor job like tentmaking?**

Answer: Paul's decision to work as a tentmaker, as described in [Acts 18:3](/acts/18-3 "Acts 18:3 - Paul the Tentmaker"), was multifaceted and strategic. Firstly, it allowed him to be financially independent, preventing him from being a burden to the nascent Christian communities he established. This was crucial for maintaining the credibility of his message and avoiding accusations that he preached for monetary gain, a concern he explicitly addresses in his letters (e.g., [1 Thessalonians 2:9](/1_thessalonians/2-9 "1 Thessalonians 2:9 - Paul's Labor and Toil") and [2 Corinthians 11:7-9](/2_corinthians/11-7-9 "2 Corinthians 11:7-9 - Paul's Self-Support")). Secondly, it aligned with Jewish rabbinic tradition, which encouraged all men, even scholars, to learn a trade. This practice fostered humility and provided a practical means of support. Thirdly, working alongside others, like Aquila and Priscilla, provided natural opportunities for fellowship, evangelism, and discipling, integrating his ministry seamlessly into daily life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 18:3 focuses on Paul's practical approach to ministry, it subtly points to Christ in its demonstration of humility, self-sacrifice, and the dignity of labor. Jesus, the ultimate example, did not come to be served but to serve ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")), and He too engaged in a common trade as a carpenter before His public ministry ([Mark 6:3](/mark/6-3 "Mark 6:3 - Jesus the Carpenter")). Paul's willingness to "abide with them, and wrought" reflects the incarnational principle of Christ, who emptied Himself and took on the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). Furthermore, the shared craft that united Paul with Aquila and Priscilla foreshadows the new community formed in Christ, where believers from diverse backgrounds are united not by earthly occupations but by their common faith in the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Paul's labor for the sake of the Gospel, without seeking personal gain, mirrors Christ's ultimate sacrifice, freely given for the redemption of humanity, establishing a model for all who follow Him to serve with integrity and selflessness, reflecting the very heart of the Kingdom of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Thessalonians 2:9

For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

1 Corinthians 4:12

And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

2 Thessalonians 3:8

Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

2 Thessalonians 3:9

Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

2 Corinthians 11:9

And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all [things] I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and [so] will I keep [myself].

2 Corinthians 11:7

Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?

2 Corinthians 12:13

For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except [it be] that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.